The world adores matt hayward

I’ve just seen the NGV art deco exhibition and it’s an absolute corker. Probably not the normal abjective you hear for art shows but who cares, it really is.

Before seeing this, I thought art deco was funky, old solid apartment buildings in South Yarra and St Kilda in Melbourne. But this exhibition shows that it was far more than that. Art deco as a movement in the 1920s to 1930s that brought together the exotic, the modern and uber luxury on a global scale. More importantly, art deco was bling in its purest form.

On display at the NGV are so many objects that capture the era: porcelain, glassware, furniture, fashion, cars, rugs, jewelery (and we’re talking Cartier here. No costume jewelery, the real deal) you name it. There’s even half of the lobby of the London Savoy Hotel from when that was art deco.

This in itself was amazing. Much like hip hop has done for music today, art deco was a movement that captured so many inspirations in its wake and made something new. They took in aincient influences as well as things never done before. Like shiny lacquers, mirrors, chrome and plastics. While also taking influence from Africa, China, even Japan. Like the samples DJs grab from god only knows where, art deco drew upon equally eclectic influences to innovate.

You could almost describe art deco as a renaissance but it would be totally missing the point. The fact all involved were trying to create something truly new couldn’t be more evident than in this exhibition. And while there are some concessions made to modernity later in the period, it’s art in its purest of forms.

For those of you that think going to such an exhibition is truly nostalgic, you’re wrong. The blue Cord saloon on display is every bit as relevant as a Hummer rollin’ on 26 in rims is today. It’s only nostalgic if you’re the kind of person who will be embarrased to tell your kids in 10 years you listened to P Diddy and Fiddy Cent back in the day. Just like hip hop of old, this is bling with style in its purest form. Check it out. It’s breathtakingly awesome. Easily the best exhibition they’ve had this year.

Here’s the link again.